passionate.vegan.rambling

Pie Love

I know I just made a pie post last week; but, I couldn’t help myself from making another. That pie up there is just too delicious not to spread the word. I found a recipe years ago on vegweb.com for a chocolate pie using avocados in the creamy filling and after trying it, I was a total convert. Not that I needed any help converting to a lover of all things chocolate or avocado…nonetheless, the pie was life-changing.

A single 9″ pie will feed a small army; it’s so rich and decadent that a tiny sliver is enough to satiate even the most die-hard chocolate fans. That being said, it’s a surprisingly “healthy” pie: even if it tastes like the chocolate was bathed in soy cream for a week before being massaged with Earth Balance…seriously…so rich…almost truffle-y.

Another bonus to this chocolate gem is how quickly it comes together. The hardest part of course is pre-baking the shell; but, you could simply use a store-bought crust if you want to save yourself a few extra minutes. I happened to have some whole wheat pastry in the freezer so I went with that option. It’s equally delicious with a graham crust; but, vegan graham crackers/crumbs/pie shells are pretty difficult to come by in my little neck-of-the-woods. If you can find one or feel like making one, feel free! You won’t be disappointed.

Chocolate Avocado Pie

-1 9″ pie shell, baked and cooled completely

-3 medium avocados

-1 tsp. lemon juice

-1 tablespoon vanilla extract

-1.5 cups vegan chocolate chips

In a double boiler or microwave, carefully melt the chocolate until smooth and glossy.

Meanwhile, blend the avocado, lemon juice, and vanilla together in a food processor or blender until smooth.

Blend the chocolate into the avocado mixture until completely incorporated. Pour the filling into the cooled pie shell. Smooth the top with a spatula and chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight.

Don’t stop there! Think of all the delicious little surprises that could be hiding under that chocolate layer: raspberries, thinly sliced peaches, chopped nuts, candied orange slices…or maybe a little mint in the filling? The options are unlimited; that’s one of the most appealing facts about this pie. And, really, could there be a better treat to go along with your iced coffee on the deck/balcony?!